Frustrated Benitez demands an improvement against Arsenal

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Rafael Benitez has told Chelsea’s players he expects an improved performance when they host Arsenal this weekend.

The Blues’ stuttering home form continued on Wednesday night when they surrendered a two-goal lead against Southampton, who fought back to draw 2-2.

It was another disappointment for Chelsea following recent wins at Stamford Bridge for Swansea and QPR.

Jason Puncheon got Southampton's equaliser.
Jason Puncheon got Southampton’s equaliser.

And the frustrated interim manager said: “We cannot be happy drawing at home. The next game has to be different.”

Benitez will assess John Terry ahead of Sunday’s derby but has indicated that he will not select the Blues skipper.

Terry recently returned to first-team action after two months on the sidelines but lacks match fitness.

Speaking after deciding to leave Terry on the bench for the Southampton game, Benitez said: “The other day we were winning and gave him the opportunity to play some minutes and that was fine.

“But to play a high line with a player with no match fitness would be a risk.”

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